Mayor launches Seattle Relief Fund to help families impacted by COVID

Seattle city leaders announced the launch of a new relief fund program Monday to help struggling families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The “Seattle Relief Fund” is a $16 million program granting one-time cash assistance to low-income residents and their households who have been impacted by the pandemic.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan made the announcement at 11 a.m. at Lake City Collective.

You may apply to the relief fund if you are low-income and if you or a member of your household live within the boundaries of the city of Seattle; is a Seattle Promise student; is a Seattle Public Schools students; or is an artist/cultural workers with an art studio or rehearsal space in Seattle.

It’s not first-come, first-served but rather applicants will be prioritized based on a set of vulnerability criteria. Eligible adult applicants filing for themselves will be able to receive a one-time payment of $1,000. Applicants with dependent children can receive a on-time payment up to $3,000.

Immigrants both documented and undocumented are also eligible. Any recipients of the 2020 Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants financial aid are not eligible.

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The application will be available online and in seven languages other than English. Community based organizations will be able to help over the phone and in-person to complete the online form. Applications will be open from Monday, Oct. 25, to Nov. 15.